We are a couple in our 70's and are currently thinking of flying into Venice and taking the bus to Ortesei....staying at Hotel Grones for 7 - 8 nights half board. (We like to hike and relax!) And then getting a car service to maybe Lake Garda? We enjoy hiking and then relaxing on a beautiful lake with some leisurely walks. We would then return from Venice to Newark, NJ. We've already been to Venice, and just want to explore northern Italy by hiking and a lake experience. Would 8 nights in Ortesei and 4 - 5 nights on Lake Garda (any town or hotel recommendations?) be a 'full' trip. (Two years ago we did a major trip to S. Italy, Sicily and Capri....we don't want to be that energetic again but we absolutely loved that trip!) Or would you recommend a different stop rather than Lake Garda? I mean, we aren't locked into a lake experience. (We loved Lake Como and also Lake Geneva after 10 nights hiking in Switzerland)
Thank you for your time!
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NYC area
3132 posts
I think 7 nights in Ortisei is good enough. We’ve been to the Dolomites (staying in Val Gardena and Alta Badia) a few times during the month of October.
In case of a rain day, head to either Bolzano or Brixen. Both are nice old towns and both have an excellent museum.
Posted by
567 posts
Well Newark to Ortesei will certainly be a full day; doable though I suppose. Not so sure about a bus from Venice, we have always taken the train to Bolzano and the bus from there to Ortesei. There is plenty of hiking to fill 7 days. Hotel Grones, never been there they tell me it’s nice, a forum favorite. My inner tightwad is quivering at the thought of a car service to Garda. €€€. I’m sure it can be done.
Buon Viaggio. Brad
Posted by
OP
90 posts
I think I need to do more research, and pick 2 towns in the E. Dolomites and just hike and enjoy 2 different areas. (Skip Lake Garda) We don't mind paying for a car service because not renting a car for 2 weeks isn't cheap either! Thank you for your thoughts and information! (We sleep on the plane and arrive at around 8am.....but we will to do the train first as you suggest!)
Have a wonderful weekend!
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132 posts
Since you’re not planning on spending time in Venice, you could also consider flying into Munich or Innsbruck. From Innsbruck you’re only a couple of hours away by train. Just a thought.
Posted by
OP
90 posts
That's a great idea....flying into Munich or Innsbruck. Excellent! Thanks.
Posted by
NYC area
3132 posts
I missed the Newark, NJ part.
To stay in the Dolimites fly (we have many times) into and out of Munich. For our return to Newark from Munich we always use the 4:20pm flight on Lufthansa/United. Gives us a relaxing “last day” before flying home.
You could split your time between Ortisei and Meran/Merano. Just west of Merano basically starts the Val Venosta. We stayed four nights in mid October a while ago. Loved the area. Walks, so many castles, beautiful scenery.
https://www.vinschgau.net/en/mountain-holidays/hiking-mountain-tours/irrigation-channel-paths.html
https://www.vinschgau.net/en/culture-art/places-of-interest/castles-mansions.html
Posted by
OP
90 posts
Paul: That plan sounds absolutely perfect !!! Thank you for the follow up! You brightened my day!
annabel
Posted by
NYC area
3132 posts
We’ve been to the Dolomites a few times, yet the Val Venosta only once. We’d love to go back though. So many castles! Beautiful scenery. Cute villages. Even Glurns/Glorenza, a perfectly preserved small mediaeval walled town.
https://www.suedtirolerland.it/en/south-tyrol/val-venosta/
We particularly enjoyed touring
We missed Castle Juval and Castle Tirolo, sadly.